Steve Smith has officially been added to Australia’s T20 World Cup squad just in time for a must-win clash with hosts Sri Lanka on Monday night (Tuesday 12:30am AEDT).
The superstar batter was flown across as cover for opener Mitchell Marsh who suffered a testicular injury in the nets, missing the opening two matches as a result.
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Smith trained with the Aussie squad in Kandy on Sunday and is now an option for the XI.
“ICC regulations stipulate any squad change must be submitted and activated at least one day prior to a match,” selector Tony Dodemaide said.
“With Steve here, along with some uncertainty around Mitch and Marcus Stoinis, it made sense he (Smith) is activated and available for selection in time for the match, if required.”
MATCH CENTRE: Australia vs Sri Lanka scores, news and updates
Despite mounting pressure there is no certainty Smith will be named to play, given Marsh is viewed as likely to return and open, while all-rounder Stoinis has declared his injured left hand is “pretty good”.
In particular if Marsh cannot play it will make Smith’s inclusion much more likely.
Smith has not played a T20I for Australia since February 2024 but has been mighty in the Big Bash League the last few summers.
After being stunned by Zimbabwe, the Aussies will be on the brink of World Cup elimination should they lose tonight, then requiring Zimbabwe to lose both remaining matches (vs Ireland and Sri Lanka) along with making up net run rate.
If Australia beats Sri Lanka, they could still lose a three-way tie also involving Zimbabwe on net run rate, needing to demolish Oman in their final group game.
Australia’s clash with Sri Lanka gets underway at 12:30am AEDT.
Current T20 World Cup Group B standings
1. Sri Lanka (2-0, 3.125 NRR)
2. Zimbabwe (2-0, 1.984 NRR)
3. Australia (1-1, 1.100 NRR)
4. Ireland (1-2, 0.150 NRR)
5. Oman (0-3, -4.455 NRR)
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